Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano oil has a rich history of use and is derived from the oregano plant, primarily Origanum vulgare, which doTERRA uses.
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History
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Ancient Roots: Oregano has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans. The name "oregano" is derived from the Greek words "oros" (mountain) and "ganos" (joy), suggesting that it was considered a joy of the mountains.
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Culinary Use: The Greeks and Romans used oregano extensively in their cuisine. They believed it had medicinal properties and used it as a flavoring agent for food. Oregano was also used to preserve meats.
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Medicinal Use: Oregano was used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, such as digestive aid and respiratory support. It was also used topically for its cleansing properties.
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Modern Usage: Oregano oil gained popularity in the 20th century as a natural remedy for various issues.
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Plant Description
Oregano is a perennial herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is now cultivated worldwide. Here are some key characteristics of the oregano plant:
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Appearance: Oregano plants typically grow to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm). They have square stems and small, oval-shaped, aromatic leaves that are green to gray-green in color.
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Flowers: Oregano produces small, pink or purple flowers in clusters. These flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
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Aroma and Flavor: Oregano leaves have a strong, pleasant aroma and a slightly bitter, pungent flavor. The aroma and flavor of oregano are attributed to essential oils, such as carvacrol and thymol, found in the plant.
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Cultivars: There are several oregano cultivars, including Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) and Italian oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. gracile). These cultivars may have slightly different flavors and growth habits.
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Propagation: Oregano can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or by dividing established plants. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
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Harvesting: Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season, but they are most flavorful just before the plant flowers. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for culinary or medicinal purposes.
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Oil Extraction: Oregano oil is typically extracted from the leaves and flowers of the oregano plant using a steam distillation process. This oil is concentrated and contains the aromatic compounds responsible for its potent flavor and potential health benefits.
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Oregano oil has a long history of culinary and medicinal use, and its popularity continues today for its potential therapeutic properties. However, it's essential to use it with caution as it can be quite potent.
Take a Closer Look
BOTANICAL NAME
Origanum vulgare
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EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distillation
AROMATIC DESCRIPTION
Herbaceous, Sharp, Green, Champhoraceouss
BOTANICAL FAMILY
Labiatae
PLANT PART
Leaf
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
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Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
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Internal: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
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Topical Use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
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RECOMMENDED USES
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Take one drop daily to boost immunity when seasonal threats are high.
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Rub Oregano essential oil and Fractionated Coconut Oil on the bottom of your feet to help boost your immune system.
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Put one drop in place of dried oregano in spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, or on a roast.
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Put 10 drops in a 16-ounce spray bottle with water for a surface spray.
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Mix one to two drops with water and gargle to sooth an irritated throat.
BENEFITS OF OREGANO OIL
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Balanced microbial environment: Oregano oil contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which may have potential benefits in helping to maintain a balanced microbial environment in the body.
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Cellular health: Oregano oil may support cellular health and proper immune system function
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Healthy Inflammatory Response: Oregano oil's compounds, including carvacrol, are thought to have potential benefits in helping to maintain healthy levels of inflammation in the body.
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Respiratory Comfort: Inhalation of oregano oil or use in steam inhalation is sometimes considered for promoting respiratory comfort during the fall and winter months.
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Digestive Support: It is believed by some that oregano oil might support healthy digestion by promoting the production of digestive enzymes and maintaining gut health.
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Topical Comfort: Oregano oil is sometimes applied topically to potentially provide comfort for tension and muscle discomfort.
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Skin Well-Being: Topical application of oregano oil may be considered for its potential benefits in promoting skin comfort. Be sure to always dilute.
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Antioxidant Properties: Oregano oil contains antioxidants that could contribute to cellular protection against oxidative stress associated with free radicals.
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CAUTIONS
Highly Dilute. Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas.
doTERRA Oregano Study
Oregano essential oil is derived from the leaves of the Origanum vulgare plant, commonly recognized for its culinary use as a spice. The primary component of Oregano essential oil is carvacrol, classified as a monoterpenoid phenol. In a recent study conducted by doTERRA scientists, the effects of Oregano oil on skin cells were investigated using the BioMap® system, simulating conditions similar to human skin.
During various cellular processes, specific biomolecules undergo changes in concentration, influencing their impact on cells or tissues. In this study, doTERRA scientists assessed 17 biomarkers associated with a typical inflammatory skin response. Remarkably, exposure to Oregano essential oil significantly reduced the levels of all 17 markers. Notably, excessive cell proliferation, indicative of potential immune system dysfunction, was reduced by approximately 80% when skin cells were exposed to Oregano oil.
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Additionally, an experiment aimed at identifying differences in cell signaling pathways revealed intriguing results, particularly in areas related to cellular development. These outcomes, coupled with previous research, emphasize the unique properties of Oregano essential oil that seem to support cellular health and proper immune system function. doTERRA remains at the forefront of exploring innovative applications to harness the biological activity of Oregano oil.
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Source: doTERRA Blog
10 ways to use oregano oil
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Natural Insect Repellent: Mix a few drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply it to exposed skin to help repel insects like mosquitoes and ticks.
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Homemade Toothpaste: Add a drop or two of oregano oil to your regular toothpaste for its cleansing properties and oral health benefits.
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Blemish Spot Treatment: Dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply it sparingly to blemish-prone areas as a natural spot treatment.
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Sinus Steam Inhalation: Add a few drops of oregano oil to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam to help relieve stuffiness and support respiratory health.
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Homemade Hand Sanitizer: Mix oregano oil with aloe vera gel and isopropyl alcohol (at least 60%) to create a natural hand sanitizer.
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Tension Relief: Topical application of diluted oregano oil may provide relief from muscle or joint tension.
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Laundry Freshener: Add a few drops of oregano oil to your laundry detergent to give your clothes a fresh and invigorating scent.
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Homemade Salad Dressing: Incorporate a drop of oregano oil into your salad dressing for a burst of flavor and potential digestive benefits.
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Nail health: Dilute oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply it to affected nails to help keep them healthy.
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Aromatherapy for Focus: Diffuse oregano oil in your workspace to promote mental clarity, concentration, and productivity.
diy recipes with organo oil
1. All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
Ingredients:
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1 cup distilled water
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1/2 cup white vinegar
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20 drops oregano essential oil
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10 drops lemon essential oil (optional for fragrance)
Instructions:
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Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle.
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Shake well before each use.
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Use this natural cleaning spray to clean surfaces in your home, such as countertops, sinks, and bathroom fixtures.
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2. Oregano Oil Hand Sanitizer
Ingredients:
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2/3 cup isopropyl alcohol (99%)
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1/3 cup aloe vera gel
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10 drops oregano oil
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10 Drops Clove
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10 Drops Lemon
Instructions:
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Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well blended.
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Transfer the mixture to a small, empty hand sanitizer bottle.
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Use it as a portable hand sanitizer when you're on the go.
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3. Oregano Oil Foot Soak
Ingredients:
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1 gallon of warm water
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5 drops of oregano essential oil
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5 drops Douglas Fir
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1/2 cup Epsom salt
Instructions:
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Fill a basin or foot soak tub with warm water.
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Add the oregano oil and Epsom salt to the water.
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Stir to dissolve the salt and disperse the oil.
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Soak your feet in the solution for 15-20 minutes to promote foot health and relaxation.
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4. Oregano Oil Inhalation Steam
Ingredients:
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A large bowl of hot water
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2 drops oregano essential oil
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2 drops lemon
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2 drops Tea Tree
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2 drops Peppermint
Instructions:
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Boil a pot of water and pour it into a large heatproof bowl.
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Allow the water to cool slightly but still release steam.
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Add the oregano oil to the hot water.
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Create a tent over your head with a towel and lean over the bowl.
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Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes to help relieve respiratory discomfort.
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5. Oregano Oil Sore Throat Gargle
Ingredients:
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1 cup warm water
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2-3 drops oregano essential oil
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2 drops Lemon
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1 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions:
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Mix the warm water and oregano oil in a glass.
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Optionally, add the salt and stir until dissolved.
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Gargle with the solution for irritated throat relief. Do not swallow.
essential emotions & spirituality
Oregano - The Oil of Humiliy & Non-Attachment
Emotional Benefits
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Relaxation: Oregano oil's aroma is believed by some to have relaxation-inducing properties, potentially aiding in reducing tension and promoting a sense of calm when used in aromatherapy or relaxation techniques.
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Stress Relief: Inhaling the scent of oregano oil may help some individuals alleviate stress and anxious feelings, providing a sense of relief from the pressures of daily life.
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Elevated Confidence: Some people use oregano oil as part of their personal care routine, believing that its invigorating scent can boost self-confidence and provide a sense of freshness.
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Additional Spiritual Benefits
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Protection: Oregano oil is sometimes used in spiritual practices as a protective agent, believed to shield individuals or spaces from negative influences or energies.
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Enhanced Intuition: In certain spiritual traditions, oregano oil is used to stimulate intuition and enhance spiritual awareness, potentially aiding in meditation and divination practices.
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Aromatherapy in Rituals: Oregano oil may be incorporated into rituals or ceremonies in some spiritual belief systems, where its scent is thought to help create a conducive atmosphere for spiritual connection and growth.
Negative Emotions: Overly attached, pride, opinionated, negative, excessively willful, materialistic
Positive Properties: Humility, non-attachment, teachable, flexible, willingness to be wrong, devoted
oregano oil affirmations
Why Affirmations and Essential Oils are Beneficial:
Affirmations and essential oils are both powerful tools for holistic well-being. Affirmations are positive statements or beliefs that, when repeated regularly, can help rewire your thought patterns and promote a more positive mindset. They empower you to focus on your strengths, desires, and intentions, fostering a sense of self-empowerment and confidence.
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Essential oils, like oregano oil, have been used for centuries in various cultures for their potential physical and emotional benefits. When used in aromatherapy or applied topically (diluted), essential oils can influence mood and emotions. The combination of affirmations and essential oils can create a synergistic effect, as the aromatic qualities of the oil can enhance the emotional and mental state while repeating affirmations reinforces positive beliefs.
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Incorporating affirmations with essential oils can be a holistic approach to promoting mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. By aligning positive thoughts and intentions with the sensory experience of essential oils, individuals can create a more balanced and harmonious state of being.​
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"I am strong and resilient, just like the oregano plant, which thrives even in challenging conditions. I embrace my inner strength and overcome obstacles with determination and grace."
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"My body is a temple, and I nourish it with the healing properties of oregano oil. I am grateful for the natural remedies that support my well-being."
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"I release negativity and impurities from my life, just as oregano oil purifies and cleanses. I welcome positivity, clarity, and vibrant energy into my daily experience."
"I breathe in the invigorating scent of oregano oil, and with each inhale, I let go of stress and tension. I exhale calmness and relaxation, allowing tranquility to flow through me."
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"I am in harmony with nature, just as oregano oil connects me to the Earth's gifts. I honor the wisdom of nature and find balance and peace within myself."